Lydia Sageus
The government of Japan has donated two ambulances, a fire truck and emergency equipment valued at N$1.2 million to the University of Namibia (Unam) to strengthen emergency response services across its campuses.
The handover ceremony took place recently at the university’s main campus.
Japan’s ambassador to Namibia, Sinichi Asazuma, officially handed over the donation to Unam chancellor Nangolo Mbumba and Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu.
Receiving the donation, Mbumba thanked the government of Japan for what he described as timely support that will improve safety and emergency preparedness across UNAM campuses.
“At a time when campus safety and emergency preparedness have become paramount concerns, Japan has once again stepped in to assist us with these life-saving vehicles,” said Mbumba.
He said the donation would also support students with disabilities by improving access to assistive transport and equipment.
Mbumba said the vehicles would “address the plight of a specific segment of the student population that is often neglected, those that are differently abled, who require assistive devices or equipment to navigate the learning environment.”
“Our emergency response teams now have the equipment needed to ensure student safety and support effective campus operations,” he said.
Matengu said the donation is important for campuses located far from urban centres where emergency services remain limited.
He said some campuses already have medical personnel but lack ambulances and emergency vehicles.
Matengu said the donation will strengthen the university’s ability to respond quickly to medical and safety emergencies across its campuses.
He also reflected on the long-standing relationship between Namibia and Japan, saying the partnership has supported academic exchange programmes, scholarships and capacity building at Unam.
Asazuma reaffirmed Japan’s support for education and development in Namibia.
“We believe that investment in education is an investment in the future,” he said.
He said the donation was made through the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme and would help strengthen emergency response, health sciences training, agriculture programmes and community outreach initiatives.
Second-year Bachelor of Psychology student Suoma Akawa said the donation would improve accessibility for differently abled students.
“This donation will give us access to safer, more comfortable and appropriate transportation, especially in emergencies,” she said.
Akawa said the initiative would help create a more inclusive learning environment and allow students to focus more on their studies.
